Hartford Embezzlement Defense Attorneys
Skilled defense against all categories of larceny charges in Hartford & Manchester, CT
White-collar crimes typically involve theft of property or services without violence. Embezzlement, for example, is a theft of cash or property by someone who has access over the accounts of another person or entity. However, even without the threat of physical harm, a conviction of a white-collar crime like embezzlement can still result in severe penalties like financial restitution, jail time, and a criminal record.
A few common examples of embezzlement include using a company’s payroll to take money, falsifying employee overtime records, kickbacks, and similar situations. An individual can be arrested and charged with embezzlement on either the state or federal level, depending on the financial value of the property allegedly taken.
Because of the potentially serious consequences of a conviction, it’s imperative to seek legal representation if you’ve been accused of embezzlement. The Hartford fraud and larceny attorneys at Barry, Barall, Taylor & Levesque, LLC can protect your rights and build a strong defense on your behalf. Let us help protect your future and your freedom – call us today.
What is embezzlement?
Per CGS § 53a-119, embezzling is a form of larceny. Under this law, individuals commit larceny when, with the intent to deprive another of property or to appropriate it to themselves or a third person, they wrongfully take that property from the owner. Embezzlement allegations can involve a small amount of money or millions of dollars, and charges from misdemeanors to felonies.
Examples of possible embezzlement cases could include when a(n):
- Accountant falsifies records to skim profits
- Bank teller takes money from a cash deposit
- Employee creates false invoices to pay himself/herself or a friend
- Investor takes money instead of investing it
- Payroll manager creates false accounts to pay himself/herself or a third party
- Retail clerk pockets money from the register
Depending on the situation and circumstances, an embezzlement crime can be a single occurrence, or a scheme that goes on over an extended period (months or even years). And, depending on the complexity and details of a particular scheme, the allegations and charges can be just as complicated. In many cases, authorities will be investigating you long before they make an arrest – meaning they may have a good amount of evidence against you.
If you believe you’re under investigation for embezzlement, consult with a Hartford criminal defense attorney immediately to get the best possible start on your defense.
What are the penalties for an embezzlement conviction?
The penalties for a larceny or embezzlement conviction under Connecticut law can vary widely, depending on whether the crime is a misdemeanor or felony. If you do find yourself facing charges, remember that charges are not a conviction. Our experienced defense attorneys go to work for you, defending you against the charges, negotiating and fighting to have them minimized or even dropped – keeping your record as clean as possible.
Under state law, penalties for embezzlement are based on the value of the property that was allegedly misappropriated. And, as we stated earlier, this could range anywhere from a cashier taking 50 dollars from a register all the way up to sophisticated schemes running into the tens of millions of dollars. Possible penalties for a conviction include:
- Property valued $500 or less. Class C misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of three months in jail and a $500 fine.
- Property valued between $500 and $1,000. Class B misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Property valued between $1,000 and $2,000. Class A misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
- Property valued between $2,000 and $10,000. Class D felony with a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Additionally, if the property was a scientific secret, invention, technical process, microorganism, culture, biological sample, public record, or vehicle, it’s also considered a Class D felony regardless of financial worth.
- Property valued between $10,000 and $20,000. Class C felony with a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Further, if the value of the property is $2,000 or less but it is public property or property belonging to a telecommunications provider, or if the owner was physically disabled, blind, or over the age of 60, it’s also considered a Class C felony.
- Property valued over $20,000. Class B felony with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
The courts can hand down harsh penalties on individuals charged with embezzlement of high value property. The skilled attorneys at Barry, Barall, Taylor & Levesque, LLC dedicate themselves to your defense, working to avoid severe consequences. In some situations, federal authorities may get involved in your case, necessitating aggressive legal defense.
How a Hartford embezzlement defense attorney can help
Whether you face misdemeanor or felony embezzlement charges, you need strong and effective defense. Further, you need to start your defense early – either upon arrest or as soon as you believe you are under investigation.
Our criminal defense lawyers meet with the prosecution or investigators to determine what kind of evidence they have against you. We challenge whether your constitutional rights were violated in any way, and use our decades of knowledge and experience to launch a strategic and customized defense. Our goal is to ensure the best possible outcome for your case and for your future.
Expert Hartford embezzlement defense lawyers
At Barry, Barall, Taylor & Levesque, LLC, our fraud and larceny defense attorneys represent employees, financial officers, and others accused of embezzlement crimes. If you’re facing charges or believe you’re being investigated for embezzlement, look to us for skilled defense. Talk to our legal team today. We’re located on W. Center Street in Manchester. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys in Hartford or Manchester, please call 860-649-4400 or fill out our contact form.